Archives: Press Releases

(April 22, 2024) – Outdoor brands–including backpacks, apparel, footwear, and more categories–are joining forces in honor of Earth Day to support The Conservation Alliance (TCA) by donating 5% of all online sales from April 18-24, 2024 as part of the #WeKeepItWild campaign. The semi-annual campaign includes: Backpacker’s Pantry, La Sportiva, Nemo Equipment, Trail Butter, Jack Wolfskin, Recover, Gu Energy Labs, UBCO, Nomadix, GSI Outdoors, Kahtoola, Fox River, Topo Athletic, Pistil, Sea To Summit, Active Skin Repair and Outdoor Technology

During the campaign, consumers can shop for their favorite outdoor brands while supporting TCA’s mission to fund and advocate for the protection of North America’s wild places. This Spring marks the fifth year of the campaign, which has raised hundreds of thousands in funds for TCA. Member support on projects like this make a tangible impact on the organization’s work to ‘keep it wild.’ This spring’s campaign focuses on TCA’s priority campaigns to designate and expand National Monuments in 2024 – donating much needed resources to community leaders and TCA grantees working day in and day out to establish new National Monuments.

“National Monument designations don’t just happen. They require incredible efforts from tribal governments, grassroots conservation organizations, and businesses, and the resources for conservation campaigns to thrive,” says Conor McElyea, Senior Director of Membership and Partnerships at The Conservation Alliance. “We Keep It Wild brings together like-minded brands and consumers to drive meaningful impact and help garner resources to permanently protect outdoor spaces across the United States”

Participating brands believe in giving back to the outdoor community and protecting the wild places we love most. The campaign is an opportunity for these brands to come together for a shared cause and give back. The funds raised from this season’s campaign will go directory to protecting wild lands and waters across North America.

Join the #WeKeepItWild campaign by supporting these brands during the week of April 18, 2024. For more information about The Conservation Alliance, please visit conservationalliance.com.

About The Conservation Alliance

The Conservation Alliance is a coalition of over 270 like-minded member companies who pool resources to fund and advocate for the protection of North America’s cherished wild places and outdoor spaces. Through the collective power of their membership – companies from a range of industries – the outdoor industry to brewers, bankers, sportsmen, and renewable energy – TCA takes bold steps to conserve wild public lands and waters. Since 1989, they’ve awarded over $31.5 million in grants and helped protect over 81 million acres and 3,580 river miles, remove or halt 38 dams, purchase 22 climbing areas & designate five marine reserves. For complete information about The Conservation Alliance, visit conservationalliance.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Steamboat Springs, Colo. (April 22, 2024) – Big Agnes, the Steamboat-Springs-based outdoor equipment brand, today announced several key updates to its sales teams, as it continues to develop its North American business. End2End Outdoor, which currently represents the brand’s Midwest and South Central regions, will add Big Agnes’ representation in the North Central territory, while Ground Up Sales will take over the Southeastern region.

End2End Outdoor’s Conner Larsen and Marissa Binkoski will tack on the North Central region after nearly a decade of representing the brand.  “End2End Outdoor is thrilled to be representing Big Agnes in the North Central region,” said Larsen. “After representing the brand for over eight years in the South Central and Midwest regions, adding the diverse landscape of the Boundary Waters and North Woods areas is an honor. We look forward to supporting the many great retailers in the region.”

“We’re really excited to make these changes to our sales team,” said Big Agnes Director of Sales, Craig Hatton. “End2End has a proven track record of success – from strong communications skills to adapting to our reporting tools, they’re a key component of our business’ success.”

Ground Up Sales will be taking over the Southeast region as Big Agnes’ longtime rep, Allyn Morton, retires at year’s end, after forty years in the outdoor industry. Heath Rowland and Jovany Cuesta with Ground Up will be taking the reins, effective July 1. Ground Up’s team of passionate outdoor enthusiasts believe in building a connection between the brands they work with and the communities around them.

“While Ground Up knows they have big boots to fill, they’re excited to bring their excitement and skills to our team,” added Hatton. “Their passion for the product, their communities, and the environment align perfectly with the Big Agnes ethos.”

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About Big Agnes: Named for a peak in the nearby Mt. Zirkel Wilderness, Big Agnes®, Inc. is located in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and celebrated its 20th Anniversary in 2021. The company produces award-winning sleeping bags, pads, tents, packs, insulated apparel, camp furniture, and backpacks. For more information, visit www.bigagnes.com or call 1-877-554-8975.

 

 

FERNDALE, Wash. (April 18, 2024) – Superfeet, global insole leader, today announces its support of several Team USA hopefuls in their quest to compete in Paris this summer.  Leveraging a partnership with Parity a sports marketing platform dedicated to closing the gender income and opportunity gap, Superfeet will collaborate with seven track and field athletes to share inspiring stories that celebrate performance, empowerment and community.

“At Superfeet, we’ve long believed peak performance starts from the ground up,” says Superfeet CEO Trip Randall. “That’s why high-performing athletes have chosen Superfeet insoles as their hidden advantage for years. Partnering with these remarkable athletes is a natural fit. Their dedication to excellence embodies the values we champion — resilience, innovation and teamwork. Together with Parity, we’re honored to support their journeys to Paris and beyond.”

This partnership aims to provide comprehensive support to athletes, both on and off the track, as they prepare for upcoming trials and games.

“As we gear up for our latest campaign with Superfeet to support and empower women track and field athletes preparing for the ultimate contest, we champion not just excellence in sport, but equality,” says Leela Srinivasan, CEO of Parity. “Investing in women’s sports delivers benefits on two levels: it’s great business, and it helps fuel a more inclusive, diverse and inspiring world. We applaud Superfeet for their sponsorship of these remarkable athletes, and we invite fans to follow along as we release engaging branded content that celebrates their extraordinary journeys to Paris.”

Superfeet is proud to support the following athletes:

Allison Halverson Hurdles

Ashtin Mahler, Heptathlon

Brittni Mason Paralympic Sprinter

Elena Bruckner, Discus

Jasmine Todd, Sprints & Jumps

Jill Marois, Pole Vault

Kayla Bushey, Triple Jump

Kelsey Card, Discus

“As a Heptathlete who relies on peak performance in every event, having shoes that perfectly fit my feet is crucial,” says Ashtin Zamzow-Mahler, Team USA Track & Field, National Champion. “That’s why I’ve been using Superfeet for years. Their insoles provide the perfect fit and support, no matter which shoes I’m wearing. Superfeet are an essential part of my training and I wouldn’t go anywhere without them!”

The partnership between Superfeet and Parity is a testament to the growing momentum behind the movement for gender equity in sports. Together, they are working to create a more inclusive and equitable environment for all athletes. To follow along on these athlete’s journey, follow Superfeet on Instagram @superfeet.

For media inquiries, please contact Andrea Green, andrea.green@rygr.us.

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ABOUT SUPERFEET WORLDWIDE, LLC: 

For more than 45 years, Pacific Northwest-based Superfeet has been creating innovative insoles featuring the Superfeet^® shape, helping millions of people worldwide experience unparalleled comfort, pain relief, and performance. Today, through the latest advancements in 3D-printing technology, Superfeet is breaking down barriers associated with custom products by providing easier access to state-of-the-art personalized fit. Superfeet gives 1% of sales and countless volunteer hours to help others shape a strong foundation for a healthy future. For more, visit superfeet.com. 

ABOUT PARITY:

Minority-founded in 2020, Parity is a sports marketing and sponsorship platform dedicated to closing the gender income and opportunity gap in professional sports. By developing high-impact collaborations between brands, professional women athletes and their fans, Parity has proudly put millions of dollars in the pockets of women athletes, attracting dozens of brands to the movement in the process. The platform connects brands like Microsoft, Morgan Stanley and AdventHealth to more than 1000 women athletes from 75+ sports, including well over 250 Olympians and Paralympians. For more information on how to tap into the rapidly rising influence and popularity of women athletes, visit https://paritynow.co or follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Threads.

 

 

 

McCALL, ID (Thursday, April 18, 2024) – Outdoor enthusiasts looking to turn their good intentions into meaningful action have a new tool to offset the impacts of their camping trips and outdoor adventures. In honor of Earth Day 2024, the revolutionary Lodestar outdoor adventure app is dropping its subscription fee – making it free to everyone forever.

Planning outdoor adventures is complicated, and sustainable options are often lacking and hard to find. The Lodestar platform solves these challenges and provides one place to plan, share and protect by connecting outdoor adventurers with vetted, local grassroots nonprofits working to protect the wild places travelers cherish. Among other user-friendly features, the app calculates the carbon footprint of a traveler’s itinerary and allows them to make each adventure climate positive with just a few clicks or taps, right in the app.

By empowering individual travelers to give before they go, Lodestar will provide an important new source of support for local communities caring for places impacted by overtourism.

“Inspiring outdoor stewardship is at the heart of our mission,” says Lodestar co-founder, Alicia Roessler. “We’re excited to make the Lodestar outdoor adventure app free so people can devote their funds and support directly to our grassroots nonprofit partners doing meaningful work for our climate, our communities and the wild places we play.”

The new free membership model also broadens the reach of the app by removing financial barriers to make it more inclusive and accessible to everyone who wants to get outdoors and explore, regardless of their budgets.

KEY FEATURES:

EASY TRIP PLANNING — ALL IN ONE PLACE – Create detailed trip itineraries, routes, 3D maps, and lists. The Lodestar browser extension saves anything from the web directly to the trip builder.

DISCOVER AND BOOK CAMPSITES – Search public lands and 97K+ reservable campsites, cabins, fire lookouts, and RV sites. View campground amenities and photos.

MAP YOUR ADVENTURE – 3D maps show routes, trails, lodging, places of interest, campgrounds, 3k+ public recreation areas, free camping on public lands, and more.

BUILT IN SUSTAINABILITY – Lodestar uses member-created itineraries to calculate each trip’s carbon footprint and identify local nonprofits that users can donate to – right in the app.

CONNECT AND COLLABORATE – Members can invite friends and family to plan and share trip plans, vote on favorites, and upload photos and record memories in the trip journal.

SAVE, ORGANIZE, AND RE-USE – A customizable adventure library makes it simple to save and re-use itineraries, trails, camping spots, packing lists and more.

Watch a Lodestar Demo

Lodestar’s founders were inspired to create the platform after experiencing frustration with other outdoor apps that didn’t have all the features they wanted to plan a camping trip. Most outdoor apps provide one or two of the tools to find a camping spot or map an itinerary, but none of the existing apps have all the features needed to streamline the planning process from start to finish or to incorporate environmental stewardship as part of the process.

“We’ve heard from a lot of people who have good intentions when it comes to making their travels sustainable, but with all the other steps it takes to put together an outdoor adventure trip, that sustainability piece often got pushed to the side,” says Roessler. “We want to make it easy for people to give back more than we take.”

Lodestar’s growing network of Impact Partners includes Little Ski Hill/Payette Lakes Ski Club, Leave No Trace, Sage Trail Alliance, Sea Trees Sustainable Surf, Tahoe Backcountry Alliance, Wilderness Youth Project, and Recreate Responsibly, among others.

Roessler, a nonprofit environmental attorney, founded Lodestar along with her partner, John Roessler, a global tech and outdoor travel veteran.

Lodestar is the first software company in the Outdoor Rec space to achieve B Corporation certification, earned by meeting rigorous social and environmental standards and balancing its purpose with its profits. The Lodestar Giving Platform is growing to be the most comprehensive network of local non-profit organizations that share a passion and mission for environmental and community stewardship of the outdoors.

Free Memberships Make Sustainability More Accessible

Annual memberships to the app were previously priced at $29.99, but travelers are now invited to sign up and use the app for FREE.

DARE TO EXPLORE BETTER with Lodestar: Free memberships are now available at lodestarhub.com.

MEDIA IMAGES available for download here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/k12ghsrgs9yzmwpj1dr64/h?rlkey=28hbfv5harfmfallyr471lzkj&dl=0

About Lodestar:

Lodestar is a women-led B-Corp dedicated to making the outdoors more accessible while promoting environmental stewardship and building a global community of adventure enthusiasts that are passionate about discovering and protecting our planet. Founded by Alicia and John Roessler, a nonprofit environmental attorney and global tech and outdoor travel veteran, the Lodestar web app is built to empower and inspire outdoor travelers to take action and make each adventure matter.

 

 

(April 18, 2024) – The Conservation Alliance (TCA) and its coalition of over 270 business members applaud the Bureau of Land Management for their Public Lands Rule, released earlier today. From the outdoor industry to brewers, bankers, sportsmen, and renewable energy companies, TCA member companies represent a wide range of industries from across the United States that all rely on the outdoors for their bottom line.

Outdoor recreation generates $1.1 trillion in economic output per year and creates 5 million jobs across the United States. This rule, which will put conservation and recreation on a level playing field with other uses, will bring critical economic benefits through local recreation and tourism for rural and gateway communities situated near BLM lands and waters. Until now, only a small portion – 15% – of BLM lands have permanent protections, while a major portion are left unprotected from extractive development.

TCA, alongside other partners, provided the BLM substantial feedback on the draft rule and submitted a letter to the BLM signed by over 100 companies last year. The letter and list of supporting companies can be found here.

“The final rule from the Bureau of Land Management demonstrates the current administration’s dedication to our public lands and outdoor spaces. The BLM can now do what it’s intended to do and manage its 245 million acres for outdoor recreation and conservation benefits. This will provide much needed support to local economies and communities that rely on this land and the recreation opportunities it provides,” said Shoren Brown, VP of Public Affairs at The Conservation Alliance.

“Our nation’s largest public lands agency, the Bureau of Land Management, has largely focused on resource extraction and commodity development for nearly 40 years,” said Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia. “The new public lands rule will allow the US government to prioritize the protection of land and water for future generations and Indigenous communities, and to conserve habitat for endangered species.”

“The entire REI Co-op community applauds the BLM for seizing a once-in-a-generation opportunity to change the way we manage our beloved public lands” said Eric Artz, President and CEO of REI Co-op. “This rule empowers the country’s largest land manager to prioritize the health and vitality of our most treasured landscapes. Solving the climate crisis requires large-scale cooperation and new ways of thinking. We’re thrilled to see BLM embracing its role in ensuring the transformative power of the outdoors for future generations.”

“Businesses large and small that depend on access to the outdoors and their millions of employees and customers will benefit greatly from the final public lands rule released by the BLM,” said Cam Brensinger, Founder and CEO, NEMO Equipment. “This rule will increase opportunities for sustainable outdoor recreation, and, in turn, help grow the outdoor industry and strengthen recreation-based economies.”

“With ongoing and increasing pressures on our public lands, it was paramount for the BLM to produce a public lands rule that elevated conservation and recreation. The final rule does just that and will better the environment, nurture our communities, and allow our community to endeavor on amazing adventures ahead.” Amy Beck, President, Oboz Footwear

“Businesses across industries supported a Public Lands Rule that would ensure that our public lands continue to offer unique recreational opportunities, buffer important habitats against the growing impacts of climate change, and drive economic value and jobs for Americans. We thank the BLM for conserving and protecting our nation’s important public lands and waters.” Wes Carter, President, Atlantic Packaging

“Public lands make up much of the landscapes America is renowned for—the environments that inspire hundreds of millions of visitors annually, serve as habitats for thousands of species and inspire our sense of adventure. As a part of our mission to keep the world adventurous forever, Rivian stands alongside many diverse voices in supporting the BLM’s proposed Public Lands Rule in rebalancing land use priorities by codifying conservation as one of the formal uses for our public lands.” Anisa Kamadoli Costa, Chief Sustainability Officer of Rivian

“Flickr is in the business of photography, and most photography happens outdoors. We have a responsibility—an obligation, even—to advocate for the health and longevity of these lands, so they can be accessed, enjoyed, and remembered for generations to come.”  Ben MacAskill, President & COO, Flickr

“The 245 million acres of land managed by the Bureau of Land Management are critical to climate change mitigation and resilience, human health, and biodiversity, said Annie Nyborg, Head of Environmental and Social Impact, Peak Design. “The Bureau of Land Management’s new Public Lands Rule will support many businesses – including Peak Design – that rely on protected landscapes across the United States.”

“By putting a greater emphasis on land and water conservation and recreation, the new Public Lands Rule will make the outdoors more accessible to everyone. Outdoor access is crucial to a healthy lifestyle for our customers and employees, as well as the health of the planet as a whole.” Gordon Seabury, CEO, Toad&Co

“Kahtoola stands in support of the BLM’s new Public Lands Rule. Putting conservation on equal footing with other land uses is not just the ethical thing to do, but it comes at a time where the stakes are high and our decisions on how we interact with the planet are extremely consequential. This balanced approach to decision-making is crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainability of our nation’s public lands for generations to come,” said Betsy Harter, Associate of Sustainability at Kahtoola, Inc.

“As a company deeply committed to fostering inclusive outdoor adventures, GU echoes the sentiment of prioritizing land preservation for future generations and honoring Indigenous stewardship,” said Celia Camargo, Director of Community and Purpose, GU Energy Labs. “We recognize the invaluable role of public lands in nourishing communities and sustaining our planet. In championing the Public Lands Rule, we ensure that these treasured landscapes remain accessible for generations to come, empowering us all to continue our journey of exploration and connection with the great outdoors.” Celia Camargo, Director of Community and Purpose, GU Energy Labs

“Public lands are a key component of our business model – not to mention something our staff and employees love on a daily basis. We strongly support this new management rule.” Allan Wright, President, Zephyr Adventures, Red Lodge, MT

“Public lands for public use are much-valued and much-needed. The ability to easily, safely and enjoyably access outdoor recreation enriches citizens’ lives, relationships, and physical and emotional health. Protection and preservation is essential for our climate-change-impacted future.” Linnea Swenson Tellekson, President, Swen Products, Inc.

“Access to our public lands is critical for a community’s quality of life and to the local businesses that support, equip and educate those who recreate on public lands.  Not only is supporting this bill good conservation policy it is sound business policy aimed directly at small, local, family businesses.”  Keith Reis, President, Sanitas Sales Group

“Through unwavering dedication and strategic advocacy, The Conservation Alliance has been instrumental in championing a progressive BLM rule that promises to revitalize our cherished public lands. This pivotal update paves the way for more resilient ecosystems and enriched recreational opportunities, ensuring a sustainable legacy for future generations. We stand in support of this landmark achievement.” Soraya Shattuck, Executive Director, Adventure Travel Conservation Fund

“As a brand dedicated to putting people first, enhancing performance, and promoting well-being, Superfeet thanks you for implementing the public lands rule. Your dedication to safeguarding our natural landscapes is crucial for creating a healthy environment, preserving spaces for recreation, and offering individuals paths to unlock their full potential.” Trip Randall, CEO, Superfeet Worldwide

“Sound decisions of protection, restoration and public land use are absolutely necessary in order for us to play an active role in curbing our effects on climate change and mismanagement of our public resources. I support the rules that appropriately soften our impacts on our lands and protect and restore them for our future generations. Our public lands are treasures that command our respect, awe and reverence – not our maximum use for profit.” Benjamin Colvin, President, Devil’s Foot Beverage Company

“At the North Point Brands family, we depend on public lands, healthy ecosystems,  and clean water for our customers, our retail partners, and ourselves. RepYourWater, Cheeky Fishing, Wingo Outdoors and RepYourWild whole-heartedly support the Public Lands Rule.” – Peter Vandergrift, CMO, North Point Brands

“America’s public lands are a national treasure and every American’s birthright. I strongly support efforts to protect our lands in their natural, wild state for the environment and for future generations.” Travis Merrigan, Co-Founder, Grayl

“We serve photographers who feel most alive when they are enjoying, capturing and sharing timeless images of this nation’s amazing and awe-inspiring landscapes. 5DayDeal and our hundreds of thousands of customers support the BLM Public Lands Rule and see it as being crucial for this generation as well as many generations in the future.” Griffin Stewart, CEO and Co-Founder, 5DayDeal

“My company depends on the Outdoor Industry and our industry will better thrive with the updates to the BLM’s management of public lands!” Adam Forest, Managing Partner, The Forest Group

“I am so proud of everyone involved. It’s action like this that gives us all hope” – Derek Nielsen, Founder, Derek Nielsen Photography

About The Conservation Alliance
The Conservation Alliance is a coalition of over 270 like-minded member companies who pool resources to fund and advocate for the protection of North America’s cherished wild places and outdoor spaces. Through the collective power of their membership – companies from a range of industries from outdoor industry to brewers, bankers, sportsmen, and renewable energy – take bold steps to conserve wild public lands and waters. Since 1989, we’ve awarded over $31.5 million in grants and helped protect over 81 million acres and 3,580 river miles, remove or halt 38 dams, purchase 22 climbing areas and designate five marine reserves.

 

 

SEATTLE – REI Co-op is celebrating continued progress towards its efforts to get every person in America outside in five minutes or less, no matter where they live. Through its Outside in 5 initiative, REI supports local projects and national legislation to improve access to nearby nature. This includes support for the REI Cooperative Action Fund, which last fall provided $6.1 million in funding for more than 260 local, regional, and national nonprofits who are leading efforts to create better access to the outdoors for everyone.

“Every person deserves the opportunity to get outside in their neighborhood, but for far too long and for far too many, this has not been a reality,” said Roma McCaig, REI vice president of public affairs and impact. “With the efforts of our employees, members, and the broader co-op community—all united together with Outside in 5—we have made tremendous progress towards our goal of enabling time outside for everyone.”

Based on data from Trust for Public Land, 100 million people in the U.S. lack access to outdoor spaces close to home, many of which represent communities that have been historically and systemically disenfranchised. To help close this gap, REI donates $5 from every co-op membership to the REI Cooperative Action Fund. In addition to this funding, REI employees in local stores across the country are building partnerships with organizations that are advancing Outside in 5 in their local communities. These efforts include:

• Partnering with Greening Youth Foundation to connect youth and young adults to the outdoors in Atlanta. Since 2022, REI Co-op and the REI Cooperative Action Fund have invested a combined $175,000 to Greening Youth Foundation. GYF engages underrepresented youth and young adults, while connecting them to the outdoors and careers in conservation.
• Advocating for $1 billion in funding for Texas State Parks. Texas ranks 35^th in the nation for state parks per capita. REI teamed up with Environment Texas and Trust for Public Land to support the passage of Prop 14, a ballot measure championed by a bipartisan group of legislators that set aside $1 billion to create more state parks. REI supported this measure with a $10,000 investment in the campaign, events in several Texas-area stores, and inspiring the local community to raise their voice in support via the REI Cooperative Action Network.
• Supporting Trust for Public Land’s green schoolyard efforts. REI joined Trust for Public Land to call on Congress to pass green schoolyards legislation to turn asphalt spaces into thriving green parks that benefit entire communities. This effort builds on more than three decades of partnership with Trust for Public Land to connect people to the benefits and joys of the outdoors.
• Supporting the New Mexico Outdoor Equity Fund. The outdoors should be a welcoming place, yet many communities in New Mexico face barriers to time outside. REI worked with leaders like Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, Senator Peter Wirth, Senator George Munoz, Senator Steve Neville, and Representative Nathan Small who helped secure $400 million in permanent funding for the New Mexico Outdoor Equity Fund that help get youth in the outdoors, as well as other outdoor conservation and recreation programs.

As the co-op continues to advance its Outside in 5 initiative, REI is asking its growing 23-million-member community to raise its collective voice to support legislation that will help everyone access and enjoy time outside. With the REI Cooperative Action Network, anyone can help urge Congress to pass:

• The TREES Act, which would create a grant program for states, local governments, tribes and other entities to facilitate tree planting projects that reduce residential energy consumption.
• The Living Schoolyards Act, which would provide grants to schools and districts to transform their schoolyards into dynamic outdoor learning environments.
• The Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program, which would expand active transportation opportunities to connect people from their homes to work and play without ever getting in a car.
• The Outdoors for All Act, which would fund parks, trails, green spaces, playgrounds, cultural gathering spaces and more in underserved communities. The Outdoors for All Act is included in a broader package of legislation known as The EXPLORE Act, which passed by unanimous voice vote in the U.S. House of Representatives on April 9 and is awaiting a vote in the Senate. More than 200,000 people have voiced their support for the Outdoors for All Act through the REI Cooperative Action Network.

Additionally, the co-op published a playbook for Outside in 5 that details how individuals and organizations can engage in these efforts in their local community.

“While we are inspired by the progress we have made together as a co-op community, we know there is still so much left to do,” said McCaig. “This is a broad call to action. Anyone can join in Outside in 5 efforts by advocating for policy, supporting nonprofits, and engaging their community.”

Outside in 5 was launched in 2023 based on data from Trust for Public Land indicating that the U.S. is rich in enthusiasm for the outdoors but has inconsistent access and infrastructure for people to access it. With Outside in 5, REI aims to harness the collective power of the co-op community to bring nature closer to home for millions of people in America.

About the REI Co-op

REI is a specialty outdoor retailer, headquartered near Seattle. The nation’s largest consumer co-op, REI is a growing community of 23 million members who expect and love the best quality gear, inspiring expert classes and trips, and outstanding customer service. If you can’t visit one of our many stores, you can shop at REI.com, REI Outlet or the REI shopping app. Everyone is welcome to shop REI, but members who join the co-op enjoy a range of benefits. More than a retailer, REI is a purpose-driven and values-led company dedicated to enabling life outside for all.

 

 

Boulder, Colo. (April 17, 2024) — Boulder, Colo.-based Backpacker’s Pantry, the family-owned maker of gourmet adventure meals, announces its participation in the Spring 2024 Keep it Wild campaign. Organized by The Conservation Alliance (TCA), the week-long initiative aims to raise awareness and funds for the protection of wild places and outdoor spaces.

During the campaign, which runs from April 18 to April 24, Backpacker’s Pantry will donate 5% of its online revenue to The Conservation Alliance. These funds will support TCA’s ongoing advocacy efforts, including the push for National Monuments in 2024.

“In 2023 The Conservation Alliance and our business members helped protect over 12 million acres of public lands. Many of these special places were protected as new or expanded National Monuments – a proven tool for land conservation,” said Conor McElyea, Senior Director of Membership and Partnerships at the Conservation Alliance. “Unfortunately, National Monument designations don’t just happen. They require incredible efforts from tribal governments, grassroots conservation organizations, and businesses. From town halls and trips to D.C. to marketing campaigns and field events, these campaigns require resources to thrive. This upcoming #WeKeepItWild campaign is an opportunity for our member brands, like Backpacker’s Pantry to amplify their commitment to conservation at this critically important time and get much-needed resources into the hands of community leaders and TCA grantees working day in and day out to establish new National Monuments.”

“Backpacker’s Pantry is proud to join forces with The Conservation Alliance for the Spring 2024 Keep it Wild campaign,” said Duane Primozich, CEO at Backpacker’s Pantry. “As outdoor enthusiasts ourselves, we understand the importance of preserving our natural landscapes for future generations. By participating in this campaign, we hope to not only support TCA’s vital conservation work but also to inspire our customers to get involved in protecting the wilderness we all cherish.”

The Keep it Wild campaign serves as a platform for brands to unite in their commitment to conservation. By joining forces with other member companies, Backpacker’s Pantry aims to amplify its impact and raise awareness about the importance of safeguarding our wild places.

“We encourage our customers to join us in supporting The Conservation Alliance during the Keep it Wild campaign,” added Primozich. “Together, we can make a difference in preserving the beauty and biodiversity of our natural world.”

Backpacker’s Pantry joins other leading outdoor brands as part of the #WeKeepItWild campaign. The semi-annual campaign also includes La Sportiva, Nemo Equipment, Trail Butter, Jack Wolfskin, Recover, Gu Energy Labs, UBCO, Nomadix, GSI Outdoors, Kahtoola, Fox River, Topo Athletic, Pistil, Sea To Summit, Active Skin Repair, and Outdoor Technology.

For more information about Backpacker’s Pantry and its involvement in the Keep it Wild campaign, visit conservationalliance.com.

For more information about Backpacker’s Pantry, please visit backpackerspantry.com.

About Backpacker’s Pantry

Backpacker’s Pantry is a Boulder-based, family-owned producer of gourmet adventure meals made with healthy and sustainable ingredients. Since 1951, the company has been delivering high-quality freeze-dried meals with an emphasis on taste. To give back to the community we love, the places we adventure and the planet we must protect, Backpacker’s Pantry donates 1% of every sale, every day to nonprofits around the world through 1% For the Planet and is 100% solar-powered. Today, Backpacker’s Pantry is sold in over 2,000 stores in North America. For more information and a complete list of products, visit https://backpackerspantry.com.

About American Outdoor Products

American Outdoor Products (AOP) is a food manufacturer located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Boulder, CO.  Established in 1951, American Outdoor Products remains an independent, privately held, family-owned, and operated company distributing products throughout the world. Inspired by a passion for unique cuisine and exciting adventures, the company produces Backpacker’s Pantry, adventure food for the outdoors; Astronaut Foods, out-of-this-world novelty treats; Chef Soraya grab-and-go plant-based meals; and Colorado Spice, all-natural and organic artisan spice blends. To learn more, visit: https://backpackerspantry.com

About The Conservation Alliance

The Conservation Alliance is a coalition of over 270 like-minded member companies who pool resources to fund and advocate for the protection of North America’s cherished wild places and outdoor spaces. Through the collective power of their membership – companies from a range of industries – the outdoor industry to brewers, bankers, sportsmen, and renewable energy – TCA takes bold steps to conserve wild public lands and waters. Since 1989, they’ve awarded over $31.5 million in grants and helped protect over 81 million acres and 3,580 river miles, remove or halt 38 dams, purchase 22 climbing areas & designate five marine reserves. For complete information about The Conservation Alliance, visit conservationalliance.com.

 

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{Dover, NH—April 17, 2024}—Outdoor gear brand NEMO Equipment has focused its mission on innovation, community, and sustainability since the beginning, and the company is proud to announce its list of 2024 partners that closely align with those values. With an emphasis on access, inclusivity, and conservation, the brand has renewed key partnerships and added new ones in an effort to get more folks outdoors and create the next generation of stewards for our planet.

NEW PARTNERSHIPS:

Outdoors Empowered Network is a national network of community-led, youth-centered outdoor education groups. OEN helps increase diversity in the outdoors through low-cost (or free) gear libraries and leadership training.

Confluence Collective removes barriers and amplifies representation of human diversity on the water by creating a safe community for all fly-fishing enthusiasts. CC hosts angler and camping events in Maine, Montana, and Wisconsin.

And, in an effort to expand its government affairs capabilities and knowledge, NEMO has also joined forces with organizations including California Outdoor Recreation Partnership, Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, Outdoor Alliance, European Outdoor Group, and American Apparel and Footwear Association.

RENEWED PARTNERSHIPS:

Camp Yoshi was founded with the intent to help diversify the outdoor space. Since its inception, it has helped create safe spaces for people of color and allies (first-time campers and enthusiasts alike) by curating trips that allow them to explore the art of camping through their unique lens.

Bewilder is a female, BIPOC-owned and -founded experiential media company inspiring families to spend time outside. They host pop-up retail events in partnership with outdoor brands and retailers, and provide a monthly newsletter featuring trip ideas, kid-friendly activities, and advice for staying safe in nature. For the 2023–24 school year, Bewilder teamed up with Camino Nuevo Charter Academy in Los Angeles to provide outdoor and environmental education programming aimed at engaging K-8 students.

Black.Surfers is an organization fighting to attain equitable access to surfing for Black people through policy and community. The Black-centric organization welcomes allies as part of its membership and aims to eliminate the systemic and cultural barriers that prevent Black people from reclaiming their ancestral birthright to the ocean, surfing, and fully enjoying all it has to offer.

Big City Mountaineers is a nonprofit that connects youth in disinvested communities with the outdoors. BCM provides free, fully outfitted, professionally led backpacking trips to kids in urban areas across the country.

Access also includes supporting organizations that work to conserve our public lands and waterways and provide healthy landscapes for wildlife. NEMO continues to partner with

Southeast Land Trust of NH, The Conservation Alliance, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, and Teddy Roosevelt Conservation Partnership.

More information about these groups and partnerships can be found on NEMO’s Adventure Resources page.

About NEMO

NEMO is a New Hampshire-based outdoor gear company known for creating award-winning products that are built to last, comfortable, and fun to use. Named one of Outside Magazine’s and Business New Hampshire’s Best Places to Work, NEMO has also been recognized as a small business leader for the environment by New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility. NEMO’s reputation for design innovation across its product lines—tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, camp accessories, and furniture—is an outgrowth of its design philosophy to never bring anything to market that doesn’t offer a meaningfully better experience. NEMO’s team of designers and engineers are motivated by a passion for outdoor adventure and sustainability.

Adventure Anywhere. Adventure for Anyone. Adventure Forever.®